MECHANISMS OF MASTITIS IN DAIRY CATTLE: INVOLVEMENT OF OXIDATIVE STRESS AND INFLAMMATORY RESPONSE

Nikola Karabolovski; Simona Naumovska; Maja Angelovska; Natasa Pejcinovska; Petar Dodovski; Igor Zdraveski; Talija Hristovska; Mimi Ristevski; Pance Damevski

doi:10.20544/hisj.2025.590

Authors

Nikola Karabolovski Veterinary Faculty – Bitola, University “St. Kliment Ohridski” - Bitola
Simona Naumovska Veterinary Ambulance “Aleksi-Vet,” Bistrica, Bitola
Maja Angelovska Veterinary Faculty – Bitola, University “St. Kliment Ohridski” - Bitola
Natasa Pejcinovska Veterinary Faculty – Bitola, University “St. Kliment Ohridski” - Bitola
Petar Dodovski Veterinary Faculty – Bitola, University “St. Kliment Ohridski” - Bitola
Igor Zdraveski Veterinary Faculty – Bitola, University “St. Kliment Ohridski” - Bitola
Talija Hristovska Veterinary Faculty – Bitola, University “St. Kliment Ohridski” - Bitola
Mimi Ristevski Veterinary Faculty – Bitola, University “St. Kliment Ohridski” - Bitola
Pance Damevski Veterinary Faculty – Bitola, University “St. Kliment Ohridski” - Bitola

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.20544/hisj.2025.590

Keywords:

Oxidative Stress, Inflammatory Response, Mastitis, Dairy Cows

Abstract

The transition period, spanning late gestation to early lactation, is a critical window for high-producing dairy cows due to markedly increased energy requirements. During this phase, cows undergo profound physiological and endocrine adaptations, often resulting in negative energy balance. Elevated metabolic activity drives higher oxygen consumption, leading to excessive generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and free radicals, which trigger oxidative stress. At the same time, endogenous antioxidant defenses are frequently weakened, rendering biological macromolecules vulnerable to damage and disrupting normal metabolic and physiological functions. Consequently, cows are at heightened risk of metabolic and infectious disorders, including ketosis, retained placenta, metritis, and particularly mastitis. Despite its often subclinical nature, oxidative stress has emerged as a major factor influencing animal health and productivity, making it a growing area of interest in veterinary research. This review consolidates current insights into the mechanisms and consequences of oxidative stress in dairy cattle, with a focus on its pathophysiological contribution to mastitis development. Furthermore, it highlights the broader implications of oxidative imbalance on lactation performance and overall herd wellbeing, underscoring the importance of targeted strategies to mitigate oxidative damage and optimize health outcomes in high-yielding dairy cows.

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